Yogurt consumption for improving immune health

The yogurt matrix is a complex mixture of bioactives from dairy, fermentation, or fortification. Emerging evidence illustrates that yogurt consumption improves immune function through gut-mediated mechanisms. Yogurt bioactives impact the immune system by modulating the gut microbiota, intestinal barrier, and immunocytes in the gut and other tissues. Epidemiological and human intervention studies suggest that increased yogurt consumption is associated with reduced circulating biomarkers of chronic inflammation. However, there are gaps in evidence that yogurt consumption can prevent infection and treat gastrointestinal diseases. The dose, length, and formulation of yogurt required to improve immune health requires further investigation. Advancing knowledge on yogurt bioactives and their mechanisms will enable opportunities to develop unique yogurt formulations for improving immune health.